Changing your old smartphone to a new Xiaomi model is always a joyous event, but one that is often overshadowed by the need to transfer data. The most critical information that modern people can not imagine life without is the phone book. Losing the numbers of colleagues, friends and delivery services can be a real disaster, so the issue of preserving records is the first one when changing devices.
Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystem offers a wealth of built-in and third-party tools for quick migration. You don’t have to manually type in hundreds of numbers or search for a notebook with records, as the software takes over that routine. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current synchronization methods, from cloud services to local Wi-Fi, so you can choose the most convenient option for you.
Before you start taking action, make sure both devices have sufficient battery power. The transfer process can take anywhere from minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data, and a sudden power outage can interrupt file transfers or damage your contact database. Also check the stability of your Internet connection if you plan to use cloud sync methods through your Google or Mi Cloud account.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and quickest way developed specifically for Xiaomi devices is to use the Mi Mover app, which allows you to transfer data over a local Wi-Fi channel without using the Internet, which ensures high speed and security of transmission. The application is pre-installed on most modern models, but if it is not available, it can be downloaded for free from the GetApps store or Google Play.
To start, run Mi Mover on both smartphones. On the old device, select the role of "Sender" (Old phone), and on the new one, "Receiver" (New phone). QR-If you have a code or connect to a new access point, you'll see a list of data categories on the screen of the old phone.
Make sure to check the "Contact" option on the list of options available, and you can choose to transfer only numbers, or you can copy the entire phone book along with additional fields such as email addresses and photos of subscribers. Press the "Send" button and wait for the process to be completed without turning off the device screens.
☑️ Preparation for transfer via Mi Mover
⚠️ Warning: While running Mi Mover, do not switch to other apps or block the smartphone screen, as this can break the connection and interrupt data transfer.
The main advantage of this method is the ability to transfer not only contacts, but also other multimedia files, system settings and even place icons on the desktop, which makes Mi Mover a versatile tool for full cloning of an old device to a new one.
Synchronization through Google account
The most reliable way to save data in the long run is synchronization with Google Contacts cloud storage, which ensures that your numbers are not lost even in the event of loss or breakdown of a physical device, since all information is stored on the servers of the corporation.
On an old Xiaomi smartphone, go to the settings and find the Accounts and Sync section. Make sure your Google account is added to the system and the sync services list activates a switch opposite to Contacts. Once turned on, the system automatically uploads all numbers to the cloud.
On the new device, just log in to the same Google account. When you first start, the setup wizard will prompt you to restore data from the backup. If the phone is already configured, just go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google and click Sync. All contacts will automatically appear in the phone book.
- 🔄 Automatic Update: Any changes made to one device are instantly reflected on all other gadgets tied to your account.
- 🛡️ Security: Data is protected by two-factor authentication and encryption when transferred.
- 🌐 Accessibility: You can access rooms from any computer or tablet through a browser by visiting contacts.google.com.
What to do if the contacts are duplicated?
It is important to understand that this method requires a stable Internet connection to work, and if you have limited traffic, it is recommended to connect to a Wi-Fi network before syncing, especially if the phone book contains a lot of entries with photos.
Export and import of contacts through VCF-file
The method of backing up a.vcf file (vCard) is a classic and versatile one that allows you to save the entire phone book into a single file, which you can then transfer in any convenient way: via instant messengers, Bluetooth, email or simply save to a memory card.
To create a copy, open the Contacts app on the old Xiaomi. Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen or the menu button and select Import/Export Contacts. From the menu that opens, select Export to Device Memory or Export to Internal Memory.
The system will suggest selecting the file format (leave vCard) and the location of the save. Once you create the file, find it through the file manager (usually in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup pack or in the memory root) and transfer it to the new phone. Open this file on the new device and the system will prompt you to import the numbers contained in it.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| File format | .vcf (vCard) | The universal standard is read by all OS |
| Coding | UTF-8 | Ensures correct display of Cyrillic |
| File size | Depends on the number of contacts. | Usually a few Kb or MB |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows | You can open your PC via Outlook |
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If you export a large number of contacts (over 5000), the system can break them into several files, in which case make sure that you transfer and import all the created parts of the archive.
This is especially useful if you want to transfer contacts to a device on another operating system, such as an iPhone, or if the Internet connection is completely missing.
Data transfer from SIM-map
This method is considered obsolete due to limited functionality. SIM-It remains the only option when both smartphones do not have access to the Internet and the ability to connect to the computer. SIM-The card can store numbers, but does not support complex fields such as photos, addresses, or multiple numbers per subscriber.
To copy the numbers to SIM-map from old Xiaomi, go to the Contacts app, select the menu and select Import/Export Contacts. SIM-The system will warn you of possible loss of data and limit the length of the name.
After the export is completed, insert SIM-card to the new smartphone. In the contact menu of the new device, select "Import with" SIM-All saved numbers will be added to the phone memory or to the selected acca-unt.
- 📉 Length Limitation: Contact names are often cropped to 10-15 symbolism.
- 🚫 Lack of multimedia: photos and ringtones are not tolerated by this method.
- 🔢 Record limit: old SIM-The card can hold no more than 250 contacts.
⚠️ Note: Before exporting to SIM-Make sure there is space on the card, and if the card is full, the copying process will be interrupted, and some contacts may be lost.
Use this method only as a temporary solution or in emergency cases. For permanent storage, it is better to copy contacts to your phone or Google account immediately after import, to free up space on the SIM and save the full versions of the cards.
Using the Mi Cloud
Xiaomi smartphone owners have access to their own Mi Cloud storage, which is deeply integrated into the MIUI shell.This allows you to synchronize contacts between the brand’s devices without the involvement of Google services, which can be important for users who prefer the Xiaomi ecosystem.
On your old device, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Make sure the Contacts switch is active. Click Sync to upload data to the server. The process is similar to working with Google, but uses Xiaomi servers.
On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account. When you log in, the system will prompt you to restore data from the cloud. If the phone is already in use, just turn on the contacts sync in the Mi Cloud settings, and the numbers will appear in the phone book automatically.
The advantage of Mi Cloud is the ability to remotely manage contacts through the i.mi.com web interface. You can edit, delete or restore deleted numbers from your computer within 30 days of their deletion (recycle bin function).
Solving problems and errors during transfer
Despite the fact that processes are fine, users can encounter various errors: contacts are not synchronized, files are not read or the process is hanging, often the problem lies in an outdated version of the Contacts app or Google Play Services.
If syncing through Google doesn’t work, try clearing the app’s cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Google Play Services → Memory → Clear the cache. After that, restart the device and try again.
In case of problems with Mi Mover, make sure that both devices are enabled with GPS and allow access to geolocation, as some versions of Android require this for LANs to work.
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If none of the automatic methods worked, use a combined approach: export contacts to the Internet. VCF-You can flip it over Bluetooth or cable and import it manually, and it's the most reliable, old-fashioned method that works all the time.
Remember that after a successful transfer, it is recommended to do a check-up: selectively call multiple contacts to make sure the numbers are stuffed correctly and the correct names are displayed.